Connector having a sleeve member
A connector assembly configured to sealably engage with a mating connector. The connector assembly includes a plug assembly that has a mating end configured to be inserted into the cavity of the mating connector. The connector assembly also includes a collar that surrounds the plug assembly. The connector assembly also includes a sleeve member that is positioned between the collar and the plug assembly. The sleeve member surrounds the plug assembly about the central axis and includes a plurality of fingers that extend toward the mating end. The sleeve member is stamped and formed from a common piece of sheet material. The fingers are biased away from the central axis in a flared arrangement when the collar is in the withdrawn position. The lingers press against the wall surface of the mating connector when the collar is moved from the withdrawn position to the locked position.
Latest Tyco Electronics Corporation Patents:
The present application incorporates by reference in the entirety U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/104,551, filed Apr. 17, 2008.
The present application also includes subject matter that is similar to subject matter disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/269,435, which was filed on Nov. 12, 2008 and is incorporated by reference in the entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThe invention relates generally to connectors, and more particularly to connectors that form an environmental seal around an electrical or fiber optic connection.
Push-pull type connectors may provide a quick method for establishing a communicative and/or power connection between systems and devices. In one known push-pull type connector, the connector has a cylindrical body that is configured to mate with a mating connector having a cylindrical wall with external threads projecting therefrom. The cylindrical wall defines a cavity that houses contacts configured to engage mating contacts of the push-pull connector. The push-pull connector includes a plug body that is surrounded by six segments, which, in turn, are surrounded by an interlocking sleeve. The segments are made of a compressible, plastic material. To engage the push-pull connector and the mating connector, the plug body is inserted and advanced into the cavity such that the wall of the mating connector slides between the plug body and the six segments. When the plug body is fully inserted into the mating connector, the interlocking sleeve continues to slide over the six segments. The segments are shaped such that the material of the segments is compressed against the threads of the mating connector when the interlocking sleeve slides over the segments. The compressed segments grip or form an interference fit with the mating connector.
However, in order for the push-pull connector described above to form the appropriate interference fit with the mating connector, the segments require a certain size and thickness of the compressible material. The resulting size of the push-pull connector may not satisfy certain industry standards. Furthermore, the process for molding and manufacturing the components of the push-pull connector may be costly. In addition, the compressible plastic material does not provide electrical shielding for the connection.
Accordingly, there is a need for a push-pull connector that forms an environmental seal and/or an electrical shield while satisfying predetermined requirements. Furthermore, there is a need for a push-pull connector that may be constructed in a less costly manner than other known connectors.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTIONIn one embodiment, a connector assembly configured to sealably engage with a mating connector is provided. The mating connector has a cavity and an outer wall surface. The connector assembly includes a plug assembly that has a loading end and a mating end and a central axis extending therebetween. The mating end is configured to be inserted into the cavity of the mating connector to establish at least one of a communicative and power connection. The connector assembly also has a collar that surrounds the plug assembly about the central axis and is configured to slide in an axial direction between a withdrawn position and a locked position. The connector assembly also has a sleeve member positioned between the collar and the plug assembly. The sleeve member surrounds the plug assembly about the central axis and includes a plurality of fingers that extend toward the mating end. The sleeve member is stamped and formed from a common piece of sheet material. The fingers are biased away from the central axis in a flared arrangement when the collar is in the withdrawn position. The fingers press against the wall surface of the mating connector when the collar is moved from the withdrawn position to the locked position.
Optionally, the sheet material may have a common thickness throughout and may include a metal alloy. Also, each finger may include at least one thread element that projects radially inward. The at least one thread element may be stamped and formed with the sleeve member. The at least one thread element may have an axial position relative to the central axis along the corresponding ringer. The axial position of the at least one thread element on one finger may be different from the axial position of the at least one thread element on an adjacent finger. In addition, the connector assembly and mating connector may form at least one of an environmental seal and an electrical shield.
In another embodiment, a connector assembly that is configured to sealably engage with a mating connector is provided. The mating connector has a cavity defined by an inner wall surface. The connector assembly includes a plug body that has a loading end and a mating end and a central axis extending therebetween. The mating end is configured for insertion into the cavity to establish at least one of a communicative and power connection. The plug body may have an outer surface that includes a plurality of ramp elements that are located proximate to the mating end and project radially outward from the outer surface. Also, the connector assembly includes a sleeve member that surrounds the outer surface of the plug body and includes a plurality of fingers that extend toward the mating end. Each finger is biased toward the central axis. The connector assembly also includes a collar that is operatively coupled to the sleeve member and is configured to rotate the sleeve member about the central axis when the collar is rotated between a withdrawn position and a locked position. Each finger engages a corresponding ramp element when the collar is rotated to the locked position. The fingers flex away from the central axis and press against the wall surface when the collar is rotated to the locked position.
Optionally each ramp element may include an incline portion that first engages the corresponding finger when the sleeve member is rotated. The incline portion may have a substantially planar surface. The fingers may have a maximum height away from the outer surface and the plug body may include a lip that projects radially outward from the outer surface and proximate to the mating end. The lip projects a distance away from the outer surface that is greater than the maximum height of the fingers.
It is to be understood that the benefits herein described are also applicable to other connectors and connector assemblies. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the connector assembly 102 is a female connector and the mating connector 104 is a male connector. However, those skilled in the art understand that female connectors may have male parts, e.g., the plug body 110, in addition to the female parts, e.g., contact channels 112. Likewise, male connectors may have female parts, e.g., a cavity 208 (shown in
Also shown in
The connector assembly 102 shown in
Also shown in
As shown, in the flared arrangement the fingers 146 are in a relaxed state. In the closed arrangement, the fingers 146 are compressed and held against the wall surface 206 (
In addition, the outer surface 143 may be substantially smooth as the outer surface 143 extends axially from the base portion 144 toward the distal ends 149 of the fingers 146. More specifically, when the fingers 146 are in a closed arrangement, a tangential line extending along the outer surface 143 may be parallel to the central axis 190. The outer surface 143 may not include ridges or protrusions that interfere with the collar 130 when the collar 130 is moved axially forward. Also, the fingers 146 may have a substantially linear body such that a tangential line of the inner surface 147 (not including the thread elements 148) is parallel to the tangential line of the outer surface 143.
In alternative embodiments, the fingers 146 may not form a substantially cylindrical body but may be separated from each other a predetermined distance such that gaps exist between the adjacent fingers 146 when the fingers 146 are in the closed arrangement. Furthermore, the fingers 146 may have other shapes. For example, the fingers 146 may include a narrower trunk that extends from the base portion 144 and gradually widens such that the fingers 146 do not touch each other at the trunks but may touch each other at the distal ends 149 of the fingers 146. With less material extending from the base portion 144, the fingers 146 may require less force to compress. Alternatively, the fingers 146 may include wider trunks that taper as the fingers 146 extend to the corresponding distal end 149.
In the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve member 142 is stamped and formed from a resiliently flexible material, such as a metal alloy or composite. The sleeve member 142 may also be fabricated from a plastic or other dielectric material. Furthermore, the sleeve member 142 may be manufactured by molding or machining processes. In one embodiment, the sleeve member 142, including the fingers 146 and the thread elements 148, may be stamped and formed from a common sheet of material having a substantially constant thickness throughout. After the fingers 146 and thread elements 148 are stamped and formed, the sleeve member 142 may be rolled into a predetermined shape (e.g., cylindrical). Before or after rolling the sleeve member 142, the fingers 146 may be configured into the flared arrangement and cured in order to maintain the biased positions while in a relaxed state.
In such embodiments where the sleeve member 142 is stamped and formed from sheet metal, the stock of sheet metal may have a thickness that is less than other materials. For example, the sheet metal may be approximately 0.012 in. thick. However, as described above, the sleeve member 142 may be fabricated from many materials and may be formed by other processes.
As shown in
When the plug body 110 engages the contact base 210 and/or the front edge 214 of the stem wall 204 engages the sealing band 140, the plug body 110 stops advancing forward through the cavity 208. However, if the axial force FA continues to be applied, the collar 130 then begins to advance and slide over the outer surface 143 of the sleeve member 142. The collar 130 engages and compresses the fingers 146 into the wall surface 206. In the illustrated embodiment the outer surface 143 of the sleeve member 142 is substantially smooth allowing the collar 130 to slide freely over the outer surface 143 until a grip portion 134 of the collar 130 engages the base portion 144 of the sleeve member 142. As such, the collar 130 is in the locked position.
In alternative embodiments, the base portion 144 of the sleeve member 142 may include barbed cut-outs along an edge of the base portion that is proximate to the loading end 103 (
Returning to
To disengage the connector assembly 102 with the mating connector 104, a withdrawal force is applied to the collar 130 in the opposite direction of the axial force FA causing the collar 130 to slide backward toward the retaining member 132. As the collar 130 is withdrawn and slides onto the base portion 144, the fingers 146 may move from the closed arrangement to the flared arrangement (i.e., flex from a compressed state to the relaxed state). In an alternative embodiment, if the sealing band 140 is partially compressed by the fingers 146, the sealing band 140 exerts an outward force against the fingers 146. When the collar 130 is retracted, the sealing band 140 may facilitate forcing the fingers 146 outward into the flared arrangement.
Furthermore, in the illustrated embodiment, the sleeve member 342 includes a plurality of fingers 346 that extend outward from the base portion 344 to distal ends 349. Each finger 346 may be defined between an inner surface 347 and an outer surface 343 and has a substantially constant radius of curvature. The fingers 346 may be moved from a flared arrangement as shown in
The fingers 346 may have various shapes and configurations. For example, as shown in
The inner surface 347 may include one or more thread elements 348 that extend radially inward from the inner surface 347. More specifically, the thread elements 348A-D may be located along the corresponding longitudinal edge 364 and project radially inward toward the central axis 390. The thread elements 348A-D are configured to engage threads (not shown) that extend radially outward from a wall surface (not shown) of the mating connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the thread elements 348A-D are individual projections or teeth.
To manufacture the sleeve member 342, the sheet material may be stamped to form the separate fingers 346 and the base portion 344. The cut-outs 370 are also stamped and removed from the sheet material. The portions of the sheet material that are cut out may account for the features that eventually form the thread elements 348A-D. For example, after the cut-out 370 is removed, a tooth projection may be left behind that projects from the longitudinal edge 364 into the space of the cut-out 370. The tooth projection may then be bent inwardly such that the tooth projection extends toward the central axis 390 when the sleeve member 342 is fully formed.
In alternative embodiments, the thread elements 348A-D may be formed by embossing the sheet material. For example, a mechanical device or element may be pressed onto one side of the sheet material to form a divot thereby creating a projection on the other side. Furthermore, other manufacturing processes may be used to create the thread elements 348A-D.
As shown, the thread elements 348A-D may have varying axial positions along the corresponding longitudinal edge 364. For example, as shown in
As shown, in the illustrated embodiment, the fingers 348A-D have four different axial positions. However, in alternative embodiments, there may be greater or fewer axial positions. In one embodiment, the thread elements 348A-D have three different axial positions. Furthermore, although the sleeve member 342 includes only one thread element 348 on a longitudinal edge 364, alternative embodiments may have more than one thread element, more than one type of thread element (e.g., teeth and ridges), and thread elements that project from a variety of positions including a position that is not along a longitudinal edge. For example, a thread element may project from an arcuate edge or from the inner surface.
The sleeve member 442 also includes a plurality of fingers 446 that extend outward from the base portion 444 to distal ends 449. The fingers 446 are in a closed arrangement in
Also shown, each finger has an inner surface 447 that may include a plurality of thread elements 448 and 449 that extend radially inward from the inner surface 447. More specifically, the thread elements 448 and 449 may be located along the corresponding longitudinal edge 460 and 462, respectively, and project radially inwardly toward the central axis 490. The thread elements 448 and 449 are configured to engage threads (not shown) that extend radially outward from a wall surface (not shown) of a mating connector. In the illustrated embodiment, the thread elements 448 and 449 are a series of individual projections or teeth. When the sleeve member 442 is formed, material is stamped and removed from the sleeve member 442 to form the cut-outs 470, the fingers 446, and the corresponding thread elements 448 and 449. Furthermore, the slits 461 and 463 are made on the corresponding edge. The series of thread elements 448 and the series of thread elements 449 may then be bent inwardly. The sleeve member 442 may be rolled into shape before or after bending the thread elements 448 and 449.
In the illustrated embodiment, the series of thread elements 448 and the series of thread elements 449 have an equal number of teeth that oppose each other on either side of the finger 446. However, in alternative embodiments, the thread elements 448 and 449 may have an unequal number of teeth and may be located in different axial positions along the corresponding longitudinal edge with respect to each other.
As will be discussed in greater detail below, the sleeve member 542 includes fingers 546 having outward projecting thread elements 548. When the collar 530 is rotated about the central axis 590 (as indicated by arrow R), the sleeve member 542 also rotates about the central axis 590. The fingers 546 are pushed outward away from the central axis 590 so that the thread elements 548 may engage the corresponding threads 512 within the cavity 508 of the mating connector 504. As such, the fingers 546 may engage the mating connector 504 and form an environmental seal to protect the electrical and/or fiber optic connection that extends through the connector assembly 502. In some embodiments, the sleeve member 542 forms an electrical shield as well.
In the illustrated embodiment, the plug body 510 has a cylindrical shape and defines a cavity 580 therein. The plug body 510 may house a plurality of mating contacts 512 within the cavity 580. The mating contacts 512 may be electrical contacts or, in alternative embodiments, fiber-optic termini. When the plug body 510 is inserted into the corresponding cavity, the mating contacts 512 are inserted into corresponding channels (not shown) to establish a communicative connection with the mating connector. However, in alternative embodiments, the plug body 510 may be similar to the plug body 110 and have contact channels for receiving mating contacts within the cavity of the mating connector 504.
The plug body 510 has an outer surface 511 and a plurality of ramp elements 582 that project radially outward therefrom. In the illustrated embodiment, the ramp elements 582 are distributed evenly about the surface 511 around the central axis 590 and are proximate to the mating end 505. The ramp elements 582 include an incline portion 584 and a platform 586. The incline portion 584 extends from the surface 511 and to the platform 586 at an angle relative to the curvature of the surface 511. Also shown, the plug body 510 includes a lip 587 located proximate to or at the mating end 505 that projects radially outward from the surface 511. The lip 587 projects a distance D4 (shown in
Also shown in
In the illustrated embodiment, each finger 546 has a substantially rectangular body that projects from the base portion 544 to a distal end 549. Each finger 546 is defined by longitudinal edges 560 and 562 that each extend to a common arcuate edge 561. Each finger 546 may have a constant radius of curvature. A box in
When the connector assembly 502 is fully inserted, the collar 530 (
When the collar 530 the tab 523, the sleeve member 542 is rotated in the same direction as the collar 530. The longitudinal edge 560 or each finger 546 first engages the incline portion 584 of the adjacent ramp element 582 causing the finger 546 to flex radially outward (i.e., away from the central axis 590). When the longitudinal edge 560 has cleared the incline portion 584, the body portion 572 of the finger 546 slides along the platform 586 and the thread element 548 engages the threads 512. The body portion 572 is compressed between the stem wall 507 of the mating connector 504 and the ramp element 582. As Such, the fingers 546 are configured to move from a pinched arrangement (i.e., when the fingers 546 extend inwardly) to a closed arrangement where the fingers 546 are compressed between a corresponding ramp element 582 and the stem wall 507 of the mating connector 504.
It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. As such, the above-described embodiments (and/or aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each other. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Dimensions, types of materials, orientations of the various components, and the number and positions of the various components described herein are intended to define parameters of certain embodiments, and are by no means limiting and are merely exemplary embodiments. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” and “in which” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first.” “second,” and “third.” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. Further, the limitations of the following claims are not written in means—plus-function format and are not intended to be interpreted based on 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph, unless and until such claim limitations expressly use the phrase “means for” followed by a statement of function void of further structure.
Claims
1. A connector assembly configured to sealably engage with a mating connector, the mating connector including a cavity and an outer wall surface, the connector assembly comprising:
- a plug assembly having a loading end and a mating end and a central axis extending therebetween, the mating end configured to be inserted into the cavity of the mating connector to establish at least one of a communicative and power connection;
- a collar surrounding the plug assembly about the central axis and configured to slide in an axial direction between a withdrawn position and a locked position; and
- a sleeve member positioned between the collar and the plug assembly, the sleeve member surrounding the plug assembly about the central axis and comprising a plurality of fingers that extend toward the mating end, the sleeve member being stamped and formed from a common piece of sheet material, the fingers being biased away from the central axis in a flared arrangement when the collar is in the withdrawn position, wherein the fingers press against the wall surface of the mating connector when the collar is moved from the withdrawn position to the locked position.
2. The connector assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the sheet material has a common thickness throughout.
3. The connector assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the sheet material comprises a metal alloy.
4. The connector assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein the sleeve member forms an electrical shield.
5. The connector assembly in accordance with claim 1 wherein each finger comprises a body and at least one thread element that projects radially inward from the body, the body and the at least one thread element being stamped and formed from the common piece of sheet material.
6. The connector assembly in accordance with claim 5 wherein the at least one thread element has an axial position relative to the central axis along the corresponding finger, the axial position of the at least one thread element on one finger being different from the axial position of the at least one thread element on an adjacent finger when engaged to the mating connector.
7. The connector assembly in accordance with claim 5 wherein each finger is at least partially defined between two longitudinal edges that extend substantially along the central axis, the at least one thread element including at least one ridge that extends between the two longitudinal edges, the at least one ridge being stamped and formed from the common piece of sheet material.
8. The connector assembly in accordance with claim 5 wherein the fingers are at least partially defined between two longitudinal edges that extend substantially along the central axis, the at least one thread element including a series of teeth along each longitudinal edge.
9. The connector assembly in accordance with claim 5, wherein the body of each finger includes a curved contour that curves around the central axis in a manner that substantially conforms to the outer wall surface of the mating connector.
10. The connector assembly in accordance with claim 5, wherein the sleeve member includes a base portion, the fingers extending from the base portion toward the mating end to respective distal ends, each finger being defined between inner and outer surfaces, the inner and outer surfaces along the body of each finger extending substantially parallel to the central axis when the collar is in the locked position from the base portion and to the respective distal end.
11. The connector assembly in accordance with claim 5, wherein the sleeve member includes a base portion that surrounds the plug assembly, the fingers extending from the base portion toward the mating end, the base portion extending around the central axis between separate ends that are positioned proximate to each other.
12. The connector assembly in accordance with claim 5 wherein the at least one thread element includes at least one tooth projection configured to engage the threads of the mating connector, the at least one tooth projection being stamped and formed from the common piece of sheet material.
13. The connector assembly in accordance with claim 12 wherein the fingers are at least partially defined between two longitudinal edges that extend substantially along the central axis, wherein the at least one tooth projection extends from one of the longitudinal edges and is bent radially inward.
14. A connector assembly configured to sealably engage with a mating connector, the mating connector having a cavity defined by an inner wall surface, the connector assembly comprising:
- a plug body having a loading end and a mating end and a central axis extending therebetween, the mating end being configured for insertion into the cavity to establish at least one of a communicative and power connection, the plug body having an outer surface including a plurality of ramp elements that are located proximate to the mating end and project radially outward from the outer surface;
- a sleeve member surrounding the outer surface of the plug body and comprising a plurality of fingers that extend toward the mating end, each finger being biased toward the central axis; and
- a collar operatively coupled to the sleeve member and configured to rotate the sleeve member about the central axis when the collar is rotated between a withdrawn position and a locked position, wherein each finger engages a corresponding ramp element when the collar is rotated to the locked position, the ramp elements deflecting the fingers radially away from the central axis and pressing the fingers against the inner wall surface when the collar is rotated to the locked position.
15. The connector assembly in accordance with claim 14 wherein the sleeve member is stamped and formed from a common sheet of material.
16. The connector assembly in accordance with claim 14 wherein each ramp element includes an incline portion that first engages the corresponding finger when the sleeve member is rotated, the incline portion deflecting the corresponding finger away from the central axis when the collar is rotated about the central axis to the locked position.
17. The connector assembly in accordance with claim 14 wherein the sleeve member includes a base portion that surrounds the plug body about the central axis, each finger extending from the base portion.
18. The connector assembly in accordance claim 14 wherein the fingers have a maximum height away from the outer surface and the plug body includes a lip projecting radially outward from the outer surface and proximate to the mating end, the lip projecting a distance away from the outer surface that is greater than the maximum height of the fingers.
19. The connector assembly in accordance with claim 14 wherein each finger includes at least one thread element that projects radially outward, the at least one thread element configured to engage the inner wall surface of the mating connector when the finger is deflected away from the central axis and pressed against the inner wall surface.
20. The connector assembly in accordance with claim 19 wherein the at least one thread element has an axial position along the corresponding finger, the axial position(s) of the at least one thread element on one finger being different from the axial position(s) of the at least one thread element on an adjacent finger.
3430184 | February 1969 | Acord |
3452316 | June 1969 | Mocek et al. |
3723944 | March 1973 | Gauchat et al. |
4548455 | October 22, 1985 | Ezure |
4645282 | February 24, 1987 | Frear |
4695109 | September 22, 1987 | Ratchford |
4941846 | July 17, 1990 | Guimond et al. |
4954097 | September 4, 1990 | Sekiguchi |
5167522 | December 1, 1992 | Behning |
5595499 | January 21, 1997 | Zander et al. |
5785545 | July 28, 1998 | Holt |
6267612 | July 31, 2001 | Arcykiewicz et al. |
6290525 | September 18, 2001 | Jacobi |
6361348 | March 26, 2002 | Hall et al. |
6517373 | February 11, 2003 | Finke et al. |
6619876 | September 16, 2003 | Vaitkus et al. |
6692285 | February 17, 2004 | Islam |
6749454 | June 15, 2004 | Schmidt et al. |
6769926 | August 3, 2004 | Montena |
6848931 | February 1, 2005 | McMullen et al. |
6884105 | April 26, 2005 | Turck et al. |
7229303 | June 12, 2007 | Vermoesen et al. |
7238047 | July 3, 2007 | Saettele et al. |
20040219834 | November 4, 2004 | Vielhaber |
20060033218 | February 16, 2006 | Hafner et al. |
20060051999 | March 9, 2006 | Allemann et al. |
20070293076 | December 20, 2007 | Fehling et al. |
10121675 | November 2001 | DE |
10235675 | May 2003 | DE |
20 2005 009 396 | October 2006 | DE |
10 2005 057444 | March 2007 | DE |
102006012194 | September 2007 | DE |
10 2007 009947 | September 2008 | DE |
1 282 202 | February 2003 | EP |
1 603 200 | December 2005 | EP |
01686660 | August 2006 | EP |
2 479 580 | October 1981 | FR |
WO-2007/062845 | June 2007 | WO |
- International Search Report, International Application No. PCT/US2009/006014, International Filing Date Jun. 11, 2009.
- “Snap-Lock SMA Series”; Tyco Electronics; Copyright 2007; 4 Pgs.
- “M12 quick-connect technology”; TURCK Industrial Automation; Copyright 2007; 1 Pg.
- European Search Report, European Application No. 09158135.5-2214 European Filing Date Aug. 17, 2009.
- Turck, Industrial Automation, Quick-Connect Technology, (publication date unknown, at least available as of May 2008), 4 pgs.
Type: Grant
Filed: Nov 12, 2008
Date of Patent: Feb 22, 2011
Patent Publication Number: 20090264003
Assignee: Tyco Electronics Corporation (Berwyn, PA)
Inventors: Christopher Hertzler (Carlisle, PA), Robert Walker (Harrisburg, PA), William Lenker (Maryville, PA)
Primary Examiner: Edwin A. Leon
Application Number: 12/269,469
International Classification: H01R 13/62 (20060101);